The New Zealand property sector’s direct contribution to GDP has soared to $50.2 billion, more than double what it was in 2012
The findings come from the 2024 Property Industry Impact Report, produced by Property Council New Zealand in collaboration with Urban Economics.
Representing 15% of the country’s total GDP, property surpasses other major GDP contributors such as manufacturing (10%), agriculture, forestry, and fishing (6%), and health (7%), says Chief Executive of Property Council New Zealand, Leonie Freeman.
“In 2022, the broader economic influence of the property industry was a staggering $142.7 billion. This includes a direct impact of $50.2 billion and additional economic activities from suppliers and employees. Property stands as the second-largest employer in Aotearoa, providing jobs for 10% of New Zealand’s workforce, with 235,030 individuals employed in the sector.”
Freeman notes the sector’s steady growth over the past decade, underscoring its critical role across commercial, residential, retail, and industrial markets.
“The continued expansion highlights the vital importance of the property industry to New Zealand’s economy,” she adds.
“One intriguing insight is the significant number of New Zealanders who indirectly invest in property through KiwiSaver schemes, with 2.4 million people holding investments in this asset class. KiwiSaver funds allocate $3.6 billion (3.3%) to property, reflecting widespread participation across all fund types.”
Freeman believes this data challenges the typical stereotype of property investors.
“Many envision property investment as the domain of the wealthy, but in reality, the average investor is an everyday Kiwi,” she says.
As of 2023, the value of listed property companies on the NZX stands at approximately $32 billion, representing 20% of the total value of the New Zealand stock market. When combined with the $1,900 billion value of the nation’s residential property stock and the $350 billion value of commercial property stock, the sector emerges as a colossal economic force.
“Property Council is proud to advocate for New Zealand’s largest industry. While quantifying its value and scale is crucial, property ultimately revolves around people and communities. These spaces are where we live, raise families, form connections, and build businesses. Property serves as the backdrop to our lives,” Freeman states.
“Our members create cities and spaces where Kiwis live, work, play, and shop – that is the transformative power of property.”
